Are Costa Rica and Panama near each other?
Yes, Costa Rica and Panama are neighbors in Central America, sharing a border that stretches about 205 miles (330 kilometers). They’re both part of the narrow strip of land that connects North and South America, with Costa Rica to the northwest and Panama just below it.
Each country has coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, so they share some similar geography—rainforests, beaches, and a mix of lowlands and mountains.
Travel times between the two
Flying between San José and Panama City takes about an hour, which is the easiest option. If you’re going by land, the drive from one capital to the other takes around 7–8 hours, depending on how long you spend at the border crossing in Paso Canoas.
On the Caribbean side, it’s pretty easy to go between Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro by shuttle and boat—it usually takes around 2–3 hours door-to-door. This is a great way for getting around Panama in general.
What are the similarities between Costa Rica and Panama?
Both countries have a tropical climate and a huge range of wildlife—sloths, monkeys, colorful birds—you’ll see a lot of crossover there. The landscapes are similar in parts too, with humid jungles, cloud forests, and long stretches of coastline. They’re also both great for active trips: surfing, hiking, ziplining, and wildlife-watching are popular on both sides of the border.
People often compare the two because they’re easy to travel in, relatively safe, and share a lot of the same draws. Panama uses the US dollar, and most places in Costa Rica accept it too. Getting around is fairly straightforward in both, and you don’t need a complicated itinerary to see a mix of nature and culture. If you’ve got the time, it’s totally doable to combine them into one trip without much hassle.
What are the differences between Costa Rica and Panama?
When it comes to Costa Rica vs. Panama, Costa Rica is all about its “pura vida” vibe—relaxed, nature-focused, and geared toward travelers.
There’s a lot of eco-lodging, tour companies, and travel infrastructure already in place, so it's easy to make a Costa Rica itinerary. Panama has more variety when it comes to culture, with strong Afro-Caribbean communities, Spanish colonial towns, and areas where indigenous groups still live traditionally.
Costa Rica’s highlights are more spread out—you can easily road trip around the country and find national parks, beaches, and waterfalls along the way. Panama’s more centered around Panama City, especially if you’re curious about the Canal or want a trip with both city and nature.
The rural parts of Panama tend to be less built up for tourism, which can be a plus if you’re looking for fewer crowds. Generally, Panama can be easier on the budget, while Costa Rica is more established for families or first-time visitors who want things to be simple to plan.